The cold winter months pose a unique water damage threat to your home. In addition to the usual water damage dangers that all homeowners must face, winter water damage threats include frozen pipes, damaged roofs, and ruined sprinkler systems. From our water damage restoration experts at Southeast Restoration in Columbus here are five tips for preventing water damage cleanup during the winter.
Even the smallest water leak can turn into a big problem when temperatures drop. Take the time to check all exposed pipes indoors and out for leaks. If you wait for the water to freeze the damage to surrounding pipes is likely to be more significant. If your pipes are insulated feel for moisture that might have been soaked up by the insulation if there is a hidden leak.
It is very important to protect your hose bibs from the freezing temperatures. Begin doing his by disconnecting garden hoses to ensure no water remains trapped in the hose bib. Moreover, you can also protect your hose and hose bibs by storing them in your garage where they won’t get too cold.
If you have a swamp cooler, you need to take preventative stops with it before winter hits. Fortunately, doing this is a straightforward process. Simply, shut off the water and power to the unit then drain the water out of the supply line and out of the unit. No water should remain in your swamp cooler as it may freeze and cause damage over the winter. This is also a good time to clean the interior and make sure it is in good condition when you bring it out again after the winter.
Burst pipes are one of the most destructive sources of water damage out there. Because of all the water pressure in a pipe, even a small rupture can lead to many gallons of water flooding into your home. This is why it’s so important to take steps to prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter months. A few simple things you can do to prevent frozen pipes including opening your cabinets to expose them to the warm air, installing insulation around them, and turning your pipes to a drip overnight.
Finally, if you have a sprinkler system, you need to do a few things before winter hits. Doing this is simple. Just shut off the water and drain your pipes thoroughly so no water remains in them that can freeze.
Don’t let your home be an easy target for water damage cleanup during the winter! Make sure you implement the tips above well before temperatures begin to drop below freezing and you should be able to prevent any winter water damage in your home. For any advice about winterizing your home against water damage or for a cleanup job, give us a call at Southeast Restoration in Columbus.
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